In a surprising turn of events, Ben Cohen, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, appeared on Tucker Carlson’s talk show and expressed his admiration for Jesus Christ. Known for his progressive views, Cohen’s remarks came as a surprise to many, given the context of his past advocacy.

During the interview, Carlson, known for his far-right stance, asked Cohen about his spiritual beliefs. Cohen responded candidly, saying, “I was born a Jew. I love Jesus Christ. I think the words that he said are wonderful, are amazing.” Cohen went on to express his dismay at how some organized Christian religions fail to truly follow Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing the importance of living out the principles taught in the Sermon on the Mount.

Cohen’s words struck a chord, as he appeared to highlight a disconnect between Jesus’s moral vision and how some Christian groups approach their faith. He stated, “If we could follow the words of Jesus Christ and think about the Sermon on the Mount and take his words seriously, we wouldn’t be doing the stuff we’re currently doing.”

Cohen’s declaration is particularly significant given his history of publicly identifying as Jewish, especially when defending Ben & Jerry’s decision to boycott Israeli settlements in the West Bank. In a New York Times op-ed from 2021, Cohen and his co-founder Jerry Greenfield wrote, “We are the founders of Ben & Jerry’s. We are also proud Jews.”

However, Cohen’s recent comments on Carlson’s show suggest a potential shift in his spiritual journey. While he did not directly renounce his Jewish identity, his embrace of Jesus marks a notable departure from his past public statements.

Cohen also took the opportunity during the interview to criticize U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and the defense budget. His comments on Israel were especially controversial. He accused the United States of supporting what he called Israel’s “genocide” against Hamas in Gaza. This is not the first time Cohen has made such accusations, which have drawn strong rebukes from Israeli and American Jewish communities.

In the interview, Carlson did not address Cohen’s statements on Israel but did echo Cohen’s praise of Jesus. This curious alignment of views between two figures from opposite ends of the political spectrum has sparked a wider conversation about faith, politics, and personal beliefs.

As Cohen continues to advocate for peace and criticize military interventions, his statements on Jesus have sparked curiosity and debate. Whether this marks a genuine spiritual shift or a nuanced expression of admiration remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Ben Cohen’s unexpected declaration on Tucker Carlson’s show has people talking, not just about ice cream but about faith and identity.